Monardella villosa

Benth.

Coyote mint

Lamiaceae Edible: Leaves - tea 8,470 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by

Summary

Monardella villosa is a plant in the mint family which is known by the common name coyote mint. In 2020, it was included in Monardella odoratissima. As of April 2024, acceptance of the inclusion varies. When separated from Monardella odoratissima, it is a perennial wildflower found only in California, except for one subspecies which sometimes occurs in Oregon. It grows in habitats of the California chaparral and woodlands in the California Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills.

Description

A small bush. It can be a matted ground cover plant. The leaves are hairy and have a mint smell. The flowers are in rounded heads. They are pale purple or pink.

Edible Uses

Fresh or dried aromatic leaves and flower heads steeped in cold water — but not boiled — produce a refreshing, clear tea with a sweet, spicy aroma and a slightly bitter, mint-like flavour.

Traditional Uses

The fresh or dried leaves and flower heads are steeped in water to make a tea.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat stomach aches.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean plant. It can tolerate drought.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a moist but well-drained sandy soil. Requires a sunny position. Strongly resents winter wet. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. When large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and plant out in summer. Divide in spring; large divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in July and rooted in a frame.